Our Japan Cultural Programs

In co-operation with "English Teachers in Okinawa (ETIO)", we offer Japan Cultural Programs in a wide variety of industries around Okinawa, Japan. The only study abroad program in Japan that combines Japanese language study, internship, & sightseeing all in one!

Normally this is a 4-week program, but we can also tailor programs to individuals and groups (inquire for group rates) – from 2 weeks to 3 months. You can start studying Japanese, interning, and sightseeing with us right away as our programs run all-year round, starting every month.

Many of our former students are available for contact, just let us know and we will forward their information. In fact, you can contact many of them directly on the Facebook page: Study & intern in Okinawa

We know that we have a GREAT program and that no other program can compare to ours, so we highly recommend that you contact our former students so they can tell you in their own words what our program is really like. We want you to be confident that you are choosing the best program for you!!!

Our programs are MUCH cheaper than similar programs on the mainland of Japan!

Okinawa is much cheaper, less crowded & more relaxed than mainland Japan, and our program offers so much more!!!

Okinawa is one of the most beautiful and safest places in the world!!!

Program Options (Okinawa)

There are three Cultural programs available:

1. Language Instruction Only
Average class size ranges from 10 to 20 students.
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes.
You’ll have homework too, but this program still offers lots of free time to have fun and explore!

* Time & length of internship may vary according to your internship program – the number of hours per week are based upon your needs and desires.

NOTE: Japanese language classes run Monday to Friday, except on Japanese national holidays. Internships may include weekend or national holiday placements – please be flexible.

Cultural Program Costs

All participants are responsible for their own travel expense to Japan, and for purchasing Travel Insurance for the entire period of their Program. The cost varies: expect to pay between USD$1,500 – $2,000 (in addition to our Cultural Program Fees) for everything.

Our programs include:

• Orientation packet and informational session

• Japanese language placement exam

• 60 hours of classroom language instruction

• Textbooks

• 80-160 hours of Internship

• Basic shared housing with a fully functional kitchen – a private room in a Japanese style apartment or youth hostel (depending on program chosen)
NOTE: For an additional 80-100,000yen, you can get medium to high-end private housing

• Personal assistance will be available 24 hours a day during the entire duration of the program

• A certificate of completion

There is a separate 10,000yen refundable deposit for a cleaning fee and your mobile phone. The deposit will be returned at the end of the program if your room is clean and the phone is returned in proper working order.

Study Abroad: Academic Credit

Option 1: Four credits for language
Option 2: Two credits for language & two credits for part-time internship
Option 3: Four credits for full-time internship.

If you wish to discuss getting credit for your participation in our Japan Cultural Programs/Internships, you will need to seek permission from your course co-ordinator, or the relevant Internship Placement Officer at your campus. Please feel free to Contact us anytime for further information, or give them our contact details so they can contact us directly.

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Past Testimonials

"My name is Lena and in the summer of 2012 I wanted to do something different with my summer before entering my final year of Economics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. I decided to take part in the Japan Cultural Internship Program with Japan Internships.

I'd lived in Japan for 3 years before, so I was eager to go back and experience the culture again. What made things very interesting for me was that I had the privilege of doing my internship in Okinawa. With its characteristic island culture and beautiful scenic views, I easily had one of the best summers of my life.

Despite working 8 hours a day, I was energized everyday and curious about every bit of the island throughout my whole stay there. I believe this is because not only did my colleagues welcome me into the working environment of Kafuu Resort Futchaku with open arms and an infinite amount of patience, but they also were very eager to spend time with me outside of work and show me the island that is their home.

Okinawans have a way of business that is efficient, yet relaxed, and are always enthusiastic and humorous. They were very patient for me to slowly get my Japanese back, as I used to be a fluent speaker, so everyday I felt more confident speaking the language.

I learned a lot from working in the hotel for 6 weeks, and even more about Okinawan culture. I had read a book on the history of Japan before I came to Okinawa, but no book could have given me the experience of Okinawa that my stay gave me.

The additional sight-seeing visits Mike Holland took me and other students on further let me explore the island and its people. I had the opportunity to meet the Croatian Ambassador of Tokyo for the opening of the new Croatian Consulate of Okinawa, and several other meaningful figures in Okinawa.

As I left the airport at Naha, I couldn't believed 6 weeks had already whizzed by without me even noticing. I had been too busy falling in love with Okinawa to count the days until I was going home.

If you are looking for something more than just an internship, choose this program; it is a great combination of culture and work that will always keep you entertained!"

- Lena

Crystal from the US (Auburn University '07). She took part in our option 1 program (language only).

"The study abroad program was the perfect opportunity for me to further my academic career and the experience was invaluable. It gave me the opportunity to explore my heritage, meet family members for the first time, and make lifelong friends. The classes are challenging but rewarding, the teachers are incredibly supportive, and Okinawa itself was the most beautiful place to study. To learn the Japanese language and to experience all that Okinawa has to offer not only led to my academic advancement but was also a truly meaningful journey."